Hall of Famer, Sparks icon Lisa Leslie to be honored with statue

The Los Angeles Sparks have officially announced that franchise legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie will be immortalized with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena. This historic tribute recognizes Leslie as one of the most influential figures in women’s sports, celebrating her transformative 12-year career with the Sparks and her immense impact on the global growth of basketball. The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for September 20, 2026, ahead of the Sparks' home game against the Portland Fire, positioning Leslie alongside Los Angeles sports royalty in Star Plaza.

Featured Snippet: Lisa Leslie will become the first Los Angeles Sparks player and the first woman to have a statue at Crypto.com Arena’s Star Plaza. The statue ceremony is set for September 20, 2026. Leslie, a three-time WNBA MVP and four-time Olympic gold medalist, spent her entire 12-year professional career with the Sparks, leading them to two championships and becoming the first player to dunk in a WNBA game.

A Pioneer of the WNBA Era

Lisa Leslie was not just a player; she was the face of a brand-new league when the WNBA launched in 1997. As the seventh overall pick in the inaugural draft, Leslie arrived with a collegiate pedigree from USC that already commanded national attention. Her presence in Los Angeles provided the Sparks with an immediate superstar who possessed the rare combination of size, agility, and marketability. Throughout the league's formative years, Leslie served as a primary ambassador, proving that women's professional basketball could thrive on the big stage.

Her contribution to the game extended beyond mere statistics. Leslie's style of play challenged traditional notions of what a center could do. She was mobile, could run the floor, and possessed a touch that made her a threat from multiple spots on the court. By being one of the "Originals," she helped set the professional standard for the generations of athletes who followed, from Candace Parker to A'ja Wilson.

Cementing a Legacy in Star Plaza

The inclusion of Lisa Leslie in Star Plaza is a significant milestone for Los Angeles sports history. For decades, the plaza has been home to monuments honoring legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Wayne Gretzky. By adding Leslie to this prestigious group, the Sparks and the arena operators are acknowledging that her impact on the city's sports culture is equal to that of her male counterparts. She is the first female athlete to receive this honor at the site, breaking a symbolic glass ceiling in the world of sports monuments.

The statue will be crafted by the renowned sculptors Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany. The Amranys are famous for capturing the essence of movement and spirit in their work, having previously created the iconic statues of Michael Jordan in Chicago and many of the existing figures at Crypto.com Arena. Fans are eagerly anticipating which of Leslie's many iconic moments—perhaps her historic dunk or a signature post move—will be immortalized in bronze.

The First Dunk That Changed Everything

On July 30, 2002, Lisa Leslie made history by becoming the first player to dunk in a WNBA game during a contest against the Miami Sol. While dunks are common in the men's game, Leslie's successful slam was a cultural touchstone for the WNBA. it silenced critics who questioned the athleticism of the league and provided a highlight-reel moment that was broadcast across the world. That single play remains one of the most famous moments in women's basketball history, symbolizing the high-flying potential of the sport.

Beyond the dunk, Leslie's dominance in the paint was unparalleled. She was a defensive anchor who could alter games through shot-blocking and rebounding. Her offensive versatility allowed the Sparks to run their system through her, leading to high-scoring outputs and consistent winning seasons. This combination of flair and fundamental dominance is what made her a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate.

Championship Glory and Individual Accolades

Success followed Lisa Leslie wherever she went. She led the Los Angeles Sparks to back-to-back WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002, earning Finals MVP honors in both series. These titles were crucial in establishing the Sparks as a premier franchise and solidified Leslie’s reputation as a "clutch" performer who rose to the occasion when the stakes were highest.

Career Achievement	Stat/Award Count
WNBA Championships	2 (2001, 2002)
WNBA MVP Awards	3 (2001, 2004, 2006)
Olympic Gold Medals	4 (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008)
All-Star Selections	8
Career Points	6,263
Career Rebounds	3,307

Dominance on the International Stage

While her WNBA career was legendary, Lisa Leslie's international resume is equally staggering. She is a four-time Olympic gold medalist, representing Team USA in 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008. Leslie was often the centerpiece of the national team, providing a veteran presence and a reliable scoring option against the world's best competition. Her perfect 32-0 record in Olympic games is a testament to her winning mentality and the era of dominance she helped lead for American women's basketball.

Her international success helped elevate the profile of the WNBA abroad. By competing at the highest level in the Olympics and FIBA World Championships, Leslie showed that the American professional league was the epicenter of talent. She remains one of only a handful of athletes to win four consecutive gold medals in a team sport, further justifying her status as an all-time great.

Life After the WNBA: Coaching and Media

Since retiring in 2009, Lisa Leslie has remained a powerful force in the sports world. She transitioned into a successful media career, working as an analyst for various networks and providing expert commentary on both the WNBA and the NBA. Her insights are highly valued due to her deep understanding of the game and her ability to articulate the nuances of professional basketball to a broad audience.

In 2019, Leslie took on a new challenge as the head coach of the Triplets in the BIG3, a professional 3-on-3 league. In her debut season, she led the team to a championship and was named the BIG3 Coach of the Year. This transition into coaching further demonstrated her leadership skills and her ability to command respect in a male-dominated environment, continuing her trend of breaking barriers.

The Impact on Future Generations

The announcement of the statue has sparked a wave of appreciation from current WNBA players. Many cite Leslie as the reason they started playing basketball. Her ability to balance being a fierce competitor on the court with being a model and entrepreneur off the court showed young women that they didn't have to choose between different aspects of their identity. She proved that you could be "pretty and powerful," a message she has championed throughout her life.

For the Los Angeles community, Leslie is a hometown hero. Born in Gardena and a graduate of Morningside High School and USC, she represents the best of Southern California athletics. Her statue will serve as a permanent reminder to local youth that through hard work and dedication, they too can achieve greatness and leave a lasting legacy in their city.

The Sept. 20 Unveiling Ceremony

The Sparks have planned an extensive celebration for the September 20 unveiling. The event is expected to draw former teammates, coaches, and rival players, as well as dignitaries from across the sports world. The timing—just before the Sparks face the Portland Fire—is significant, as it links the franchise's glorious past with its future. Portland, an expansion side in 2026, represents the continuing growth of the league that Leslie helped build.

Fans attending the game will have the opportunity to witness a piece of history. The Sparks organization has hinted at special tributes throughout the night, including video montages and guest speakers. For Leslie, the day will be a culmination of a lifetime of service to the game, finally receiving a permanent home among the legends of Los Angeles.

FAQ Section

Who is the first woman to get a statue at Crypto.com Arena?

Lisa Leslie is the first woman and the first Los Angeles Sparks player to be honored with a statue in Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena.

When will the Lisa Leslie statue be unveiled?

The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, before the Los Angeles Sparks host the Portland Fire.

How many WNBA championships did Lisa Leslie win?

Lisa Leslie won two WNBA championships with the Los Angeles Sparks, in 2001 and 2002.

Is Lisa Leslie the first WNBA player to have a statue?

No, she is the second player in WNBA history to receive a statue from a franchise, following Sue Bird who was honored by the Seattle Storm.

What are some of Lisa Leslie's career records?

Leslie remains the Sparks' all-time leader in points (6,263), rebounds (3,307), and blocks (822). She was also the first player to dunk in a WNBA game.

Conclusion

The upcoming statue of Lisa Leslie at Crypto.com Arena is more than just a piece of art; it is a long-overdue validation of the greatness of women's basketball. For twelve seasons, Leslie gave her all to the Sparks and the city of Los Angeles, delivering championships, MVPs, and unforgettable moments. By standing tall in Star Plaza, she will continue to inspire millions, serving as a beacon of excellence and a reminder that true icons are defined by the doors they open for others. As the sports world gathers on September 20 to celebrate her, it will be a night of profound gratitude for a player who changed the game forever.

Hall of Famer, Sparks icon Lisa Leslie to be honored with statue

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